Sen. Roxanne J. Persaud, while thanking members of the Guyana Action Committee (GAC) for honoring her, said politicians shouldn’t be given awards for doing community work. “Our job is to enrich the lives of people who we work for.”
She encouraged GAC to continue their domestic violence forum, headed by Bonita Montique, saying, “keep up the good work, together we can move mountains, together we can achieve more,” during the group’s recent Annual Fundraising Brunch and Mother’s honors at Cristo Rey Brooklyn School in Flatbush.
Other distinguished honorees included; Guyana Consul General to New York, Hon. Barbara Atherly, Louisa Grimmond, Paula Sandy, Albertha Braithwaite, Natricia Hooper, and Yonette Hooper, presented with GAC Certificates of Appreciation and Statues, and Appreciation Certificates, from Congresswoman Yvette Clarke
President Errol Lewis, lauded the honorees for their contribution to Guyana Action Committee (GAC), and the community as large, and complimented Sen. Roxanne Persaud for the outstanding work she is doing in the diaspora.
Council General Barbara Atherly, in turn told the group that their financial contributions for education in Guyana, their provision of footwear for children in Guyana, and the recognition and honor bestowed on women are remarkable efforts.
“More impressive, are your plans for the women and children in Guyana. Your plans to set up a home for abused women and children is a very noble cause, it is a clear sign that you are in touch with Guyana and the current needs of that society.”
Guyana Action Committee, whose motto is to engage in projects and discussions aimed at providing means for cultural economic and social change, hosted an afternoon of music, tributes, and a fashion show, to raise funds to carry out its work in Guyana and the U.S.
Acting District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, who congratulated GAC for their contribution, later danced with 99-year-old Louisa Grimmond, who received the oldest mother award. Grimmond later displayed her British Guiana birth certificate for all to see. Saxaphonist Flantis provided the music.
Mother of the year went to Albertha Braithwaite, who was among the elegantly dressed attendees, treated to Guyanese fare, music by Rudy Bishop’s Chronicle Atlantic Orchestra, and a trendy fashion show.
A Dutch auction and a raffle raised much-needed funds to carry out GAC’s mission.
Some of the organization’s initiatives are Gun Violence Prevention, and Domestic Violence Awareness. The group has also made donations to Little Friends Nursery in Guyana, and a Guy1$M check, accepted by Guyana Attorney General Basil Williams on behalf of the Burnham Education Scholarship Trust. A donation of 200 pairs of shoes for Guyana’s underprivileged children were handed over to First Lady Sandra Granger as part of President David Granger’s humanitarian initiative.
Executive officers are Errol Lewis board chairman / president; Bonita Montaque, director of operations; Anita Cochran, treasurer; Nickeitta Leung, secretary; and Ellen Tappin, PR director.
